The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, whose permission is required for cultivation of any genetically modified crop such as Bt-Cotton in India, is under the Union Minister of

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal/Approval Committee (GEAC) is the statutory apex body responsible for regulating genetically modified organisms and the environmental release of GM crops in India. The committee was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and functions as part of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (now Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change). GEAC clearance is mandatory for environmental release and commercial cultivation of GM crops (Bt cotton being the only commercial GM crop permitted so far), demonstrating that oversight and approval authority rest with the environment ministry rather than agriculture, commerce or rural development [2].

Sources

1. [1] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 342
2. [2] https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=235784